English Premier League: 18th, 19th & 20th of December

meh

Premiership Player
Suspended
Joined
Jun 13, 2004
Posts
3,782
Likes
5
Location
Adelaide
AFL Club
Adelaide
Other Teams
North Adel, Adel Utd, Sunderland
Thread starter #1
Saturday 18th December

Sunderland vs Bolton - 12:45

In recent years this match would have been boring as batshit, and 1 teams shitness would cancel out the other, but this season it's a different story. A win for either puts them on the brink of the Top 4, and both sides will feel as if this match is more than winnable. Sunderland's impeccable home record will come under threat, but the inclusion of Asamoah Gyan will provide a boost. The Black Cats defence has been hit hard by injury, with Bramble, Turner & Ferdinand all injured, Onuoha, Bardsley and Da Silva will be tested by Elmander and England's savior Kevin Davies. Shaping up as a goalfest.

Arsenal vs Stoke City - 15:00

Arsenal can't afford to slip up anymore at home, loses to WBA and Newcastle at home, with a less than convincing performance against Fulham has some Gunners fans worrying, although Stoke shouldn't provide too many problems for the Gunners defence, which will no doubt come under the microscope. It will be interesting to see if Flapianksi or Sczczczczceny gets the nod between the sticks. Expect Ryan Shawcross to cop a testy reception.

Birmingham City vs Newcastle United - 15:00

Birmingham's home form has been reasonable, losing just the 1 match but only scoring the 8 goals, and they come up against Newcastle, who's away form, particularly against sides who they should be beating, has been horrendous. The Alan Pardew effect will well and truly kick in this week and the response will be interesting. One thing is for certain, Birmingham need goals, they were toothless last week against Wolves.

Blackburn Rovers vs West Ham United - 15:00

Both managers under the pump, both for different reasons. Avram Grant has reportedly been told the next 3 matches will determine whether or not he has a job next year. Blackburn will fancy themselves against the struggling Hammers who have scored just 4 goals away from home this season, however you get the feeling an angry crowd wanting answers rom the Big Sam sacking will make for a tense atmosphere at Ewood Park.

Wigan Athletic vs Aston Villa - 15:00

Aston Villa won't get a better chance to improve their horrendous away record against Wigan, who themselves struggle to hit the back of the net at home. Villa have the attacking threat, while Wigan have been raped by injuries, but the outstanding form of Latics goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi will provide a stern challenge for Downing, Albrighton, Heskey and co.

Liverpool vs Fulham - 17:30

Woy will have a full compliment to choose from, after resting key players during the Europa clash with Utrecht. Both managers are under pressure, and another poor result will see the pressure increase, but you get the feeling the both sides need a good performance rather than a good result to satisfy the restless fans. Paul Konchesky will face his old club, with both sets of fans set to boo him.

Sunday 19th December

West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton - 12:00

Such has been the resurgence of WBA, nothing less than a win will be acceptable, especially against a Wolves side who are yet to win on the road this season. The Baggies form at home has been pretty good, although they haven't found a suitable replacement for the injured Peter Odemwingie has left Roberto Di Matteo's face looking even more squinty. Chris Brunt will again be the key for the Baggies.

Blackpool vs Tottenham - 13:30

This seasons success story Blackpool return to Bloomfield Road, a place where they have recorded mixed results, although their performances against the so-called 'big sides' and Tottenham's performances against the 'lesser sides' will give the tangerines some hope. Blackpool 'keeper Richard Kingston will be set for a busy afternoon, and to be honest, I think the bloke is due for a brain-fade, as his handling just reeks of a lack of confidence. Still no VDV for Spurs, but they should have the firepower to see them through.

Chelsea vs Manchester United - 16:00

On form, this match doesn't deserve the pre-game ejaculation hype, but it's still here, and it still will be an intriguing game. Drogba showed signs of returning to form last week despite his late miss, but Ramires & Malouda continue to struggle to create clear cut chances. You get the feeling Man Utd are in cruise control, Rooney's form remains a concern, but on current form, you can't look past the Red Devils.

Monday December 20th

Manchester City vs Everton - 20:00

Remarkably, Manchester City are the lowest scoring team at home in the league, and they face Everton, who arguably cost them a place in Europe when the Toffees won 2-0 at COMS last season. Everton can't buy a goal this season, Saha is shithouse, Yakubu is a fat shit, Felliani can kick, just not a ball. A side that relies on a Tim Cahill to score their goals will never be a serious threat, although Citeh's defensive lapses could allow the Toffees to steal a point. Arteta and Yaya Toure will be the keys, they have had contrasting seasons to each other, but their performance will be critical to their sides success.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Coledinho

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Jun 23, 2010
Posts
10,563
Likes
542
Location
Upturn Park
AFL Club
West Coast
#3
Its kind of sad but Sunderland vs Bolton will probably be the game of the round as far as entertainment goes

Sunderland will probably employ a 4-3-3 with Bent Wellbeck Gyan upfront making for a attacking game

Wouldnt surprise me if Stoke get a result vs Arsenal. Kenwyne Jones should have a field day and Pulis will probably do the smart thing and play Tuncay in the hole in a 4-4-1-1 type formation (something he should be doing already).

We always beat Blackburn away but lose to them at home. Hopefully the trend continues
 

A Bit High

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Posts
24,424
Likes
10,634
Location
With My Mate Jack - Jack Daniel's
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
MUFC, PAFC, QBN TIGERS & JD
#5
No doubt the game of the round is Man Utd and Chelsea.

A win for Chelsea could get them back on track and have the run of matches we are all thought would have already occurred. Have no fear they will be up for this one!

A Man Utd win and it sets them up nicely over the Xmas/New Yr period.

Not title over for either if they lose but with last weeks, this weeks and next weeks round of matches so important, we may look back come May and decide how crucial it was for the 3 sides.

So on that note a Man Utd win with Gunners, Liverpool and City to lose!
 

that_dood

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Posts
9,007
Likes
9
Location
Fremantle
AFL Club
Adelaide
Other Teams
Arsenal
#7
Yeah Stoke is by no means an easy game for us. We will have the bulk of possession as usual and they will park the bus so we need to be sharp in the final third. And with their big physical presence up front and then add in Delap and a mix of a potential defensive blunder and Stoke would feel they can get at our defense.

Still if we score one or two early goals we could thrash them.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Bradesmaen

Hall of Famer
Joined
Apr 8, 2007
Posts
34,470
Likes
8,794
Location
London
AFL Club
Fremantle
Other Teams
SJ Sharks/Everton/NY Jets
#15
Manchester City vs Everton - 20:00

Remarkably, Manchester City are the lowest scoring team at home in the league, and they face Everton, who arguably cost them a place in Europe when the Toffees won 2-0 at COMS last season. Everton can't buy a goal this season, Saha is shithouse, Yakubu is a fat shit, Felliani can kick, just not a ball. A side that relies on a Tim Cahill to score their goals will never be a serious threat, although Citeh's defensive lapses could allow the Toffees to steal a point. Arteta and Yaya Toure will be the keys, they have had contrasting seasons to each other, but their performance will be critical to their sides success.
A few things... Yakubu hasn't been bad. Infact I can't work out why he hasn't started. He was easily our best forward and in our run of 3 games straight winning, he was the starter. Fellaini didn't even pick up a fowl in last weeks game.

Also Arteta is suspended.
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2005
Posts
2,359
Likes
31
Location
London
AFL Club
Collingwood
Other Teams
Tottenham Hotspur
#17
Wouldn't be surprised if our game gets called off this weekend. Really bad weather forecast for next couple of days and Blackpools ground isnt equipped to cope with it.
 

RevDog

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 30, 2008
Posts
1,892
Likes
11
AFL Club
Western Bulldogs
#20
Wouldn't be surprised if our game gets called off this weekend. Really bad weather forecast for next couple of days and Blackpools ground isnt equipped to cope with it.
Good chance it will be.

I think Liverpool vs. Fulham could get postponed as well, Anfield's pitch will be fine but the surrounding areas getting to the ground will be the issue.
 

Benno_900

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Nov 21, 2004
Posts
29,088
Likes
13,947
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
North Melbourne
Other Teams
Arsenal FC
#22
If they waited to the last second 2 weeks ago, then the Blackpool - Man U game would've gone ahead as the weather had cleared up. Or so Holloway claims ...
 
Top Bottom